Car Zero Time (CZT) Restarts – why and how

Three of the four remaining rallies on the 2025 road rally calendar will be using Richta GPS timing and scoring. I’ve gone over the basics of this system any number of times so I’ll spend no further time on the generalities. You may, however, run into certain variations of checkpoints and procedures which we’re not familiar with here in the region.

Using Richta, rallymasters have the ability to deploy different types of checkpoints (CPs) depending on how the rally is configured, where on the route the CP is located, and the wishes of the rallymaster. Those of you who participated in the Richta test for the Midwinter Moon back in January will remember the usage of Flying Start restarts (truncated by 0:30), which we used to match the Richta restart time with the departure time from an open/staffed CP location. In this post, we’ll look at Car Zero Time (CZT) restarts, where and why they can be used, and how they work.

Timed rallies work on the concept of a car “0” time, where crews are started, CPs are opened or closed, and all timings are based on a notional car 0. All crews are assigned a start number and base their start time (or restart time) from an identified point. This point (the “Out Marker”) can be a sign, intersection, or other easily identified mark. Rallymasters may even use “OUT” signs on a utility pole or stake. Timings and distances are measured from this out marker, so remember to reset your odometers unless instructed to do otherwise!

Crews restart from the out marker based on the notional car 0 time plus their start number in minutes. Using Richta, cars are started with one minute intervals. Therefore, if your start number is 4 and the car 0 restart time is 1243, your restart time would be 1247 and your timings and subsequent score would be based on this start time. Car 0 times may be provided in the route or timing instructions.

CZT restarts are a handy CP to use after an ODO check or at the end of a transit between competitive route sections. For instance: you may find a CZT pop up on your Richta screen just before the end of an ODO check, and it will show you a Restart and provide your restart time. Your just need to leave the indicated out marker at the time specified and you’re on your way. With ODO checks or transits with generous time allowances (or a driver with a heavy right foot), you may find you need to pull off the side of the road to wait for your restart time. Restart CPs are not scored. It’s a good opportunity to review the coming section to see what the rallymaster has thrown your way, or exchange tales of adventure and mayhem with other crews who are waiting for their restart time.

On longer rallies, the rallymaster can use CZT restarts after a rest halt to hopefully get everyone back on the road at the proper time and in order. Again, an out marker will be identified and the onus is on the crew to leave the out marker at their assigned time. It also means you should plan your lunch order/refuelling time/bathroom breaks accordingly! Don’t request cooked-to-order prime rib if you have a 30 minute rest halt, for instance.

Of course, rallymasters will review this sort of thing at the crew meeting before the start, but it’s worth your while to dig into the available information and ask questions before you’re due at your first out marker. Check our Resources page for Richta information and links!